The 2025 Great South Bay Music Festival (GSBMF) rolled into its second day on Friday with Reggae Day, bringing sunshine, soul, and island rhythms to Patchogue’s Shorefront Park—after a brief interruption from Mother Nature.

Storm Delay and Swift Rebound

Just as crowds were settling in for a full day of good vibes, dark clouds rolled in and a line of thunderstorms forced a temporary evacuation of the festival grounds. Festival organizers acted quickly to ensure everyone’s safety, clearing the park for about an hour as heavy rain and lightning passed through.

Fortunately, the storm moved out almost as quickly as it came. Once conditions were deemed safe, gates reopened and fans returned in full force, eager to resume the festivities. The quick recovery didn’t dampen the mood—in fact, it added a fresh energy to the day’s performances.

Main Stage: Roots, Harmony, and a Marley Family Affair

Once the music resumed, the Main Stage came alive with Project Vibe, who kicked off the post-storm party with laid-back grooves and island flavor. J Boog followed, weaving soulful vocals and Pacific reggae into a performance that had the crowd swaying in unison.

The Elovaters kept the positive momentum going with their signature blend of modern reggae-rock, offering polished melodies and feel-good energy as the sun broke back through the clouds.

Then came the moment many had waited for—Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Stephen Marley headlining together. The brothers delivered a powerful set that honored both their own catalogs and the enduring legacy of their father, Bob Marley. Their performance included “The Traffic Jam”, “Medication”, and beloved classics like “Is This Love” and “Could You Be Loved”. The synergy between the two was electric, their message of love and unity amplified by the shared experience of weathering the earlier storm.

Bandshell Stage: Local Sounds and Upbeat Spirits

The Bandshell Stage showcased some of the region’s best homegrown talent. Bunktown Falls brought high energy and a funky reggae-jam blend, while Nikki Silva impressed with powerful vocals and a soulful presence.

Big Happy lived up to their name, turning the stage into a joyful dance party, and Long Island favorites Oogee Wawa closed out the night with their infectious mix of reggae, hip hop, and alt-rock, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

A Day to Remember

Despite the early weather scare, Day 2 of the Great South Bay Music Festival turned into one of the most memorable reggae days in the event’s history. The sky cleared, the music played on, and the crowd never missed a beat. With vibes restored and spirits high, the festival continues through the weekend with jam bands and rock legends still to come.